PTI Issues Show-Cause Notice to Marwat for Party Discipline Violation

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has issued a show-cause notice to Sher Afzal Marwat for violating party discipline and making statements deemed harmful to the party’s reputation.

This action follows repeated warnings and is part of a broader directive from PTI founder Imran Khan, who has authorized disciplinary measures against members who do not adhere to party policies.

The notice, issued by PTI Additional Secretary General Firdaus Shamim Naqvi, accuses Sher Afzal Marwat of violating party policy by making “adverse and disparaging remarks” about Secretary General Raja and the ongoing negotiations with the government.

“It is sad to see that you have spoken without thinking of the consequences on the party and caused it harm on more than one occasion,” the notice reads.

The show-cause notice, shared on X/@PTIOfficial, highlights that Marwat’s actions disregarded directives from PTI Chairman Imran Khan, causing harm to the party.

As a member of the National Assembly and PTI’s core committee, Marwat is reportedly well aware of the party’s policies, including the prohibition against making public comments about party office-bearers. The notice also accuses him of prior misconduct and criticizes his “failure to consider the consequences of his remarks.”

“You have, amongst others, made disparaging remarks against the Secretary General of PTI and even made adverse comments on the ongoing negotiations. This is a clear violation of the Party Policy and Instructions issued by Founding Chairman, Imran Khan,” the notice states.

Marwat has been given seven days to respond and justify why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him. Until then, he has been advised not to appear in the media or publicly represent the party.

In light of the notice, Marwat has opted to distance himself from the media. “On the advice of friends, I have decided to stay away from electronic media for a week or two,” he stated.

Marwat also urged media outlets not to press him for appearances during this time, adding, “I request my media friends not to insist on my participation in programmes.”

The show-cause notice stems from a heated public altercation between Raja and Marwat that unfolded on national television last week.

During the exchange, Raja questioned Marwat’s competence in addressing party matters, sparking a sharp verbal confrontation.

Marwat, in response, challenged Raja’s authority as secretary general, questioning the legitimacy of his appointment under the party’s constitution.

When told that the appointment had been made by “Khan sahab” himself, Marwat countered: “Have you seen any notification? According to the party constitution, only someone who has contested the intra-party elections can hold the position of Secretary General.”

The dispute intensified when Marwat criticised Raja’s professional history, pointing to his legal representation of opposition figures such as Nawaz Sharif in the Panama case, Khawaja Asif, and PML-N’s Nausheen Iftikhar against PTI’s Asjad Malhi.

“How can someone who represented Nawaz Sharif, Khawaja Asif, and others against PTI’s candidates taunt me?” he remarked.